More than 50 women and girls at Makusa landing site in Kigungu benefited from free medical, counselling, and legal services during a Valentine’s Day community outreach held on Saturday, February 14.
The initiative was organized by Family Medical Point (FMP) in partnership with the Rotary Club of Abaita Ababiri in Formation, targeting vulnerable and underserved women in fishing communities.
Health workers conducted what organizers described as a “Musawo Session,” offering free HIV testing, screening and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), as well as distributing condoms, lubricants, and contraceptives.
“The objective of this session was to deliver a comprehensive health talk to women and girls on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights,” said Pauline Nabwire, Head of Programs at Family Medical Point. “Being Valentine’s Day, we focused on safer sex practices, prevention of STIs, unwanted pregnancies, and unsafe abortions.”
Nakito Mariam, Public Relations Officer at the Rotary Club of Abaita Ababiri in Formation, said the club joined the initiative after recognizing the urgent health and social challenges facing fishing communities.
“Rotary believes in service above self. This Valentine’s Day, we chose to share love through health services with the people of Kigungu–Makusa,” she said, adding that the response exceeded expectations. “It was fulfilling to see women getting tested, treated, and receiving medical attention.”
Legal awareness was also integrated into the outreach, with Center for Women Justice Uganda providing pro bono legal education and support.
Amito Mercy, Legal Officer at the organization, noted that many women in fishing communities face legal challenges but lack access to justice.
“We spoke to women and girls about their rights and assured them of the free legal services we provide. Fishing communities frequently experience cases of child neglect, divorce, gender-based violence, and sexual assault, yet many cannot afford legal representation,” she explained.
Counsellors also created confidential “safe spaces” where participants openly discussed HIV prevention, treatment adherence, and access to reproductive health services.
Nampeera Doreen, 43, a resident of Makusa, described the village as a high-risk area with limited access to sexual health information.
“Makusa is a hotspot with many challenges, and interventions like this help reduce sexually transmitted infections. We thank Family Medical Point and partners for remembering us,” she said.
For 21-year-old Nanteeza Latifa, the outreach proved life-changing. After being diagnosed with an STI during the session, she immediately received treatment.
“I had signs of infection but could not afford testing or treatment. Today I received help, and I am grateful,” she said.
Although organizers had planned to serve 50 women and girls, attendance surpassed expectations, underscoring the growing demand for accessible health, counselling, and legal services in underserved fishing communities.
Fishing communities along Lake Victoria are widely recognized as high-risk areas for HIV, STIs, gender-based violence, and limited access to reproductive health services. Outreach initiatives such as Musawo Sessions aim to bridge these healthcare gaps by bringing free testing, treatment, counselling, and legal support closer to vulnerable populations.
Organizers said the Valentine’s Day outreach not only delivered essential services but also promoted dignity, awareness, and personal safety—key pillars in improving the wellbeing of women and girls in marginalized communities.